An augmented reality approach for supporting panel alignment in car body assembly

One of the major problems in automotive assembly consists in achieving alignment within the specified tolerances between car panels that make up the exterior bodywork. To reduce errors and time requested to perform the assigned assembly tasks, workers should be guided during these panel fitting operations. Augmented Reality (AR) could be particularly suitable in this regard, as it represents one of the most promising tools to support personnel, with constantly growing applications in production processes. Following this trend, the present work aims to present an AR prototype system for supporting the operator during panel fitting operations of car body assembly, by providing instructions to correct alignment errors in terms of gap and flushness. A real case study concerning the fine alignment of car body panels with respect to the front light projector is also presented.

Automated summary

One major challenge in automotive assembly is aligning car panels within specified tolerances for the bodywork. Augmented Reality (AR) is identified as a promising tool to guide workers and reduce errors and time in assembly tasks. This study introduces an AR prototype system to assist operators in panel fitting operations and presents a real case study on aligning car body panels with the front light projector.